By Carol Luther
With a population of nearly 3 million,
Chicago is the third-largest city in the U.S. It takes pride in its architecture and physical location on the shores of Lake Michigan. It has a variety of cultural activities, green spaces and ethnic neighborhoods. A visit to Chicago with kids can be educational, stimulating and fun-filled because the city has so much to offer.
The Lakefront
Take advantage of Chicago's lakefront during the summer. Start your adventure at Navy Pier, a 50-acre activity center with numerous attractions that include a 15-story Ferris wheel, the Chicago Children's Museum and free entertainment. Visit the beach to dip your toes in the surf and watch yacht regattas. Tour the entire lakefront with your kids with bikes, which can be rented by the day or the hour. Indulge your family by taking a shoreline boat tour or hop aboard a water taxi for a distinctive way to travel to nearby tourist attractions.
Sears Tower
Among Chicago's architectural treasures is the Sears Tower, which was the world's tallest building when it opened in 1974. It is open daily for tours year-round. For kids, the elevator ride up 103 floors to the building's Sky Deck is unforgettable. Innovative, interactive touch computers enhance the panoramic view of the city and adjoining states. Hear and see Chicago's history and explore the city's most interesting features in six languages.
Public Spaces
After the lakefront, Millennium Park is Chicago's most well-developed green space and the site of many free activities to delight kids. Download free MP3 audio tours at the park's welcome center to get started. The Chase Promenade features free entertainment such as mimes, games, the family activity tent and open rehearsals for upcoming park performances. The park hosts summer symphonies, world music and gospel concerts and frequent dance and theatrical performances. If you visit during fall or winter, take the kids to the city's annual Halloween and Thanksgiving events, the ice skating rink or the Valentine's Day ice carving competition.
The Field Museum is the flagship facility of Chicago's museum campus. It is one of the world's most famous and highest-rated museums for natural history. The campus houses the world-famous Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium. The Freedom Museum is a few blocks away on the city's Magnificent Mile. It is one of the first museums in the country to house interactive exhibits on the theme of freedom and the First Amendment. The Museum of Science and Industry, the DuSable Museum of African American History and the Chicago History Museum are a short hop on Chicago's public transit routes. All of the major museums have free days, so you can save your wallet by checking their schedules.
Food Treats
Chicago is famous for extraordinary food selections. Locals recommend and enjoy deep-dish pizza, red hots and Chicago beef sandwiches. The ultimate treat for any visitor to Chicago is its barbecue. After all, the city still is the nation's premier beef packinghouse. The fierce competition among restaurants and street vendors makes it easy to find great eats that are sure to please your kids.
Resources
About the Author:
Carol Luther has more than 25 years of business and technical writing experience and 10 years of experience in international health project management, which includes child survival, youth AIDS and health systems information technology. Luther's work has appeared in "Diamond" magazine and online at Global Progress, Mahalo, Trazzler and Wcities. She has a master's degree in public and international affairs from the University of Pittsburgh.
